In a surprising turn of events, civil servants in Jigawa State have called on the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) to prioritize the much-needed wage adjustment of N35,000, urging them to put aside their other demands. The workers expressed their concerns over the recent agreement reached between the Federal Government and NLC, which led to the suspension of the planned industrial action.
Under the agreement, the Federal Government pledged to pay a six-month wage award of N35,000 to its workers and directed state NLC chapters to ensure the full implementation of the same amount for state and local government workers. However, some Jigawa State workers are skeptical about the commitment of their state NLC chapter in pushing for the implementation of this wage adjustment.
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Malam Aliyu, a dedicated staff member of the Jigawa State civil service, voiced his disappointment with the state NLC chapters, accusing them of being influenced by state governments. He emphasized that the NLC at the national level had done its part and now it was the responsibility of the state chapters to ensure full compliance without compromise.
Aliyu argued that both federal and state government workers were equally affected by the fuel subsidy removal, and therefore, there should be no basis for state governments to reduce the proposed wage adjustment. He firmly believed that the federal government had allocated sufficient funds to the state governments for this purpose.
Iliya, another concerned staff member, criticized the Jigawa State NLC for diverting their attention from the main issue. Instead of focusing solely on the wage adjustment, the state NLC had made three additional demands to the state government, including soft loans, food palliatives, and transport allowances. Iliya believed that the NLC in Jigawa had lost sight of their primary objective, which was to defend the rights of workers at the state level, just as the national body did with the federal government.
“We don’t want any soft loans or palliatives,” Iliya exclaimed. “The NLC should base its negotiation with the state government on adopting what the federal government has implemented.”
The workers collectively urged Jigawa State Governor, Malam Umar Namadi, to empathize with the current hardships faced by state and local government workers and implement the proposed wage adjustment without any negotiations. They emphasized that the state and local government workers deserved the same treatment as their federal counterparts.
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The demands of Jigawa State workers highlight the ongoing struggle for fair wages and better working conditions across Nigeria. This issue has gained significant attention in recent years, with workers advocating for their rights and fair treatment.
As the NLC continues negotiations with various state governments, it is crucial for workers’ concerns to be addressed effectively. The implementation of the N35,000 wage adjustment would not only alleviate the financial burden faced by workers but also serve as a testament to the government’s commitment to the welfare of its citizens.
The Jigawa State workers’ plea resonates with countless others in similar situations across the country. Their voices must be heard, and their demands for fair wages and improved working conditions must be addressed promptly. It is a pivotal moment for the NLC to stand firmly behind the workers and ensure that their rights are protected.
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In conclusion, the Jigawa State workers are calling on the NLC to prioritize the implementation of the N35,000 wage adjustment without compromising on their demands. The state government must recognize the hardships faced by its workers and take immediate action to alleviate their financial burdens. This issue serves as a reminder that fair wages and better working conditions are essential for the overall well-being of the workforce and the nation as a whole.
